Covarrubias ready for last district game

By Pat Turner :
November 7, 2012

The final three non-district games were rough for Canyon Lake running back Eduardo Covarrubias.

Not only did the Hawks drop each contest while falling to 1-4, Covarrubias had to watch from the sidelines because of a sprained knee.

That was only temporary. When District 27-3A began two weeks ago, Covarrubias was back on track. So were the Hawks as the bruising back's presence, which included back-to-back 100-plus yards rushing during victories over Fredericksburg (27-17) and Bandera (42-7).

“We were happy to have him back,” Canyon Lake coach Charley Drum said. “He's made a difference. He gives us a good combination with our passing game. He is a big kid (6-foot-1, 200 pounds). He is a physical running back. He has the capability to break one.”

Covarrubias, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, felt a little gun shy during his first few carries in the district opener with Fredericksburg. As the game progressed and he started picking up yards, the Canyon Lake back started feeling more like his old self.

The next week was even better.

“I felt a little better against Bandera, because against Fredericksburg I felt I was hesitating at times,” Covarrubias said. “After the first couple of drives I just sucked it up because I realized we had to win this game no matter what.”

The Hawks, however, had to do without Covarrubias' services this past week against Boerne. Following a 40-3 loss to Wimberley, the running back was bruising his way for 100 yards on 10 plays in the first half in keeping the Hawks within striking distance of the Greyhounds.

However, a rib injury sidelined Covarrubias the second half. With Canyon Lake without a good portion of its offensive punch, Boerne turned that 21-16 halftime lead into a 43-16 win.

Covarrubias is expected to be ready for Friday's season finale with Navarro. A playoff spot is still up for grabs and the Hawks need a victory. No doubt his services are needed.

Canyon Lake coaches knew they had a special running back when Covarrubias had to fill the role during the first half of the season during his sophomore campaign while Zach Henshaw recovered from an injury.

Being thrust into a starting role in his first varsity season was also uncomfortable at first, but like he did during his recent comeback, a few running plays set the tone.

Eventually, Henshaw returned and Covarrubias moved to fullback. He didn't have as many carries the rest of the season, but his 760 yards and five touchdowns that year was a good ice-breaker, especially after scoring on his second varsity play.

More progress followed last year, despite being hindered by injuries at times. With Henshaw graduating after a 2,000-yard season, Covarrubias knew he would be taking over the No. 1 back his senior season.

Covarrubias was prepared, thanks to the lessons he learned from the previous two years.

“As a sophomore I was kinda wreckless,” Covarrubias said. “I cared mostly about my stats and stuff. Last year I learned more about being a team player. I figured out not to be selfish and how to put it together for my team. Zach (Henshaw) and I would hang out a lot and talk about being a team player.

“I've tried to be there for our younger players. When the younger running backs make a good play I congratulate them and showed them things to help them do better.”

“I learned more things about being a good running back. Instead of trying to run outside, I worked on becoming more on running inside. It works out better for me.”